I am a above average rock drummer, but I have always been an inept brush player. I just never could get the flow or snap that I see others get. UNTIL THESE BRUSHES. I immediately went from inept to "okay". No snagging, more consistent contact with the head, easy to control. The bent edges control the pressure factor for untrained brush players like myself and make it MUCH easier. It really is like cheating. Thanks VF and Gadd. AMAZING product.

Gonna be honest - I have no prior experience with brushes. I am a newbie to the ways of the brush. That being said, I can say with complete confidence that I love these.

The handle is perfect - the exact weight and feel of a stick. It makes playing with them all the more enjoyable, because, for me, it doesn't feel so different from a stick.

The sound these things put out, of course, is far different from a stick. Why wouldn't it be? Now, while I haven't really used brushes before, I have heard quite a few, and I must say, these are some of the best sounding ever. A perfect swish, made all the better by my Remo FiberSkyn 3 snare head.

If you're thinking about getting these, stop thinking, and just get them. Do it.

What I expect from Vic Firth - quality brushes and a good value - thick coated handles, 2 stage extended "lock" (tightly fanned and fully fanned), wires seem firmly attached and retract easy enough. I can see sticking with these for a while.

I think the angled (bent) wires help on projecting a fuller slap when desired, but I see only a slight advantage over traditional brushes when sweeping. NOTE: the photo at the time I wrote this does NOT show the bent wires well, if at all - looks like they're just straight.

I like to see the handles be a few inches longer to accommodate a firmer grip position for more "power jazz" styles and more over-all comfort on longer sessions.

If you like keeping your heads (especially coated heads) looking clean as possible, I recommend a mild detergent & warm water cleaning with a good dry wipe down of the wires before using.

Not only can you twirl these brush sticks like any other wooden stick but you can play almost as loud while still being able to put in some brush work patterns and beats. I got these this morning and I am very happy with my purchase. As many you drummers know brushes seem to be lil'borin for you youngin, but trust me once you start bangin away with them you'll be converted into a brush man! lol I loves you should get them too it's fun to experiment and hear what kind of sounds you can get out of your'ol drum kit.

i play everything from Jazz to rock to folk and these work great for all of them. i have to say they are the best brushes ive ever used.